Ayelet Zurer to play Superman’s Kryptonian mother in Man of Steel

Deadline reports that Israeli actress Ayelet Zurer, who we last saw in Angels & Demons, has been cast to play Lara Lor-Van, Superman’s mother on Kypton in Zac Snyder’s Man of Steel.

Julia Ormond was originally slated to play the role, although no word has been released on why she was replaced at the last minute, with production already well underway. Zurer will play opposite Russell Crowe as Jor-El, Superman’s father on Krypton. Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane and Michael Shannon have also been announced as cast members, along with Henry Cavill as the man with the big red ‘S’.

We already know that the film will look at Superman’s early years, where he is on the cusp of deciding how to use his powers. The role of Superman’s Kryptonian parents have always been vital to Superman’s hero’s journey, so much so that Marlon Brando’s 1978 portrayal was maintained for the 2006 Superman Returns.